I think i'm down to a choice between these two - finally after 24 pages.......

[Accy cyclist]

What was the weather like there? We had really strong winds, rain and hail here, with just the odd spell of sun. Pretty cold too - 6 or 7 degrees most of the day, with a lot of windchill.

Heavy showers and sunshine with a strong westerly wind. We set off from Spring Wood(as usual) to Garstang via Longridge and back. I was happy when we decided to head west and not east to those knackering Yorkshire hills. Then having to face the wind and rain on the way back!

 

[Accy cyclist]

34/30 on the Cube is a lot lower than the 34/25 on the Ribble but I can't see it being as low as your triple's low gears. (I don't think you have told us what gears the triple actually has, so I could be wrong.) Still, the bike being lighter will help.

I haven't ridden with a compact chainset but I suspect that I would not like the huge step between the rings.

If i knew i'd tell you, but i don't and i can't be bothered to work it out. Anyway. You've got me thinking about the Cube not having as hill friendly gears as a triple chainset. So maybe this would be better? http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s6p5521/SCOTT-CR1-30-TRIPLE-2014

 

[potsy]

And so it begins again

 

[vickster]

If i knew i'd tell you, but i don't and i can't be bothered to work it out. Anyway. You've got me thinking about the Cube not having as hill friendly gears as a triple chainset. So maybe this would be better? http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s6p5521/SCOTT-CR1-30-TRIPLE-2014

I don't think you'll have an issue. I'm sure my Giant had the same gearing and was ok for me and no handicap on my own limits... I'm sure @jefmcg can confirm the gearing

That said if you want the Scott and a triple, just buy it, although you wanted a bike with colour, that's black

 

[Pale Rider]

Given @Accy cyclist's indecisive nature, buying online is not the best idea.

He lives in a strong roadie cycling area - I only saw one other flat bar bike when we rode together last weekend.

Surely there must be a bricks and mortar retailer locally with staff that could be trusted to offer genuine help and advice.

 

[vickster]

He has poo-poo'd the immediate LBSs and hasn't shown a lot of interest in travelling very far, presumably due to other commitments

Oh and he wants a bargain with at least a third off, those are harder to find at LBSs. He could try Dolan if he is now off Ribble (their answer seemed reasonable to me given the deal on the bike. I'd go to Ribble and discuss, I reckon face to face an arrangement could be reached after building some rapport)

 

[Kbrook]

Accy cyclist, we spoke via message about my Scott with a compact chainset and a 11/32 cassette. I decided to keep it when i realised there was nothing out there I really liked. Here is an offer for you, come to my house and take it for a spin. I live at the side of a hill so you can see whether you like it and whether you like the gearing and importantly carbon.

You will have to bring spd sl pedals if that's what you use, I use spds. Only when it's dry though! You need help in making a decision, hopefully this might help.

 

[Accy cyclist]

And so it begins again

Heads Cube tails Scott.

 

[ColinJ]

I wasn't keen on Sora a few years back. Maybe it is better now, but I would go for at least Tiagra, and preferably 105.

 

[vickster]

The bike is a treat from compo, not a workhorse commuter. 105 at least. It's not like you don't have the few extra quid

On that basis, best forget that particular Scott

 

[jefmcg]

I don't think you'll have an issue. I'm sure my Giant had the same gearing and was ok for me and no handicap on my own limits... I'm sure @jefmcg can confirm the gearing

The Giant has a lowest gear of 34/30, and a colleague from Switzerland laughed at me, calling it "alpine gearing" and thinking it pretty unnecessary for the UK. Unless you are less strong than me (unlikely) you should be able to scale most hills with that.

 

[Kbrook]

The Giant has a lowest gear of 34/30, and a colleague from Switzerland laughed at me, calling it "alpine gearing" and thinking it pretty unnecessary for the UK. Unless you are less strong than me (unlikely) you should be able to scale most hills with that.

There's many hills here far steeper than Alpine Hills, which tend to be much longer much less steep. Tell your Swiss friend to get himself up Hardknott Pass then he won't be laughing.

 

[Accy cyclist]

The bike is a treat from compo, not a workhorse commuter. 105 at least. It's not like you don't have the few extra quid

On that basis, best forget that particular Scott

Well there's this but it's a 58cm frame. I don't think it'll be big enough seeing as Cubes are supposed to be smaller than usual frames?
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s6p6026/CUBE-AGREE-GTC-PRO-2015

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/reviews/road-bikes/cube-agree-gtc-pro

 

[vickster]

How will the gearing differ from 50/34 with 11-32 on the back? I have no idea, but that works for me and I'm hardly a racing snake and have various knackered joints

 

[Accy cyclist]

How will the gearing differ from 50/34 with 11-32 on the back? I have no idea, but that works for me and I'm hardly a racing snake and have various knackered joints

One review says it's good for climbing

"Given the sub-£1,200 price, the fact that Cube has managed to equip the Agree with a full Shimano 105 groupset — including brakes and chainset — is impressive. For a bike designed to perform on all terrains, the 11-32t cassette is a sensible inclusion, with enough top-end for a club run-winning sprint and a bottom gear low enough for the toughest of climbs.
Read more at http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/reviews/road-bikes/cube-agree-gtc-pro#irtlRc02LVOpT1BB.99"

I don't mind paying the extra money but will it be big enough?